COLORADO’S GUIDE FOR AGING DRIVERS AND THEIR FAMILIESFrom Plains to Peaks

Revised 2017Funded by

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5PopulationFacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6RoadwayImprovement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7LicensingRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Re-Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15ReportingUnsafeDrivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22AmISafetoDrive? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23FamilyandCaregiverInvolvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25ChangesinDrivingBehavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27DoctorsandtheMedicalCommunity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28DrivingSkillsAssessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29SafetyTipsforRoadUsers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31DriverPlanningAgreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37SafetyTipsforWinterDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38SafetyTipsforPedestrians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40SafetyTipsforBicyclists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41SafetyTipsforMotorcyclists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41KeepingSafeWhileDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42TheImpactofAgingonDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43TireInformation…Knowthefacts! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50AdaptiveDevicesDescriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52EnhancedMirrorSettings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53RetirementfromDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54PlanningTable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55ColoradoAreaAgenciesOnAgingRegions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62Web-SiteResources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

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INTRODUCTION

Thisguideforagingdrivers,theirfamiliesandcaregiverswascreatedbyDRIVESMARTCOLORADOwww .drivesmartcolorado .comwithsupportfromMichiganandFlorida .DRIVESMARTCOLORADOisanon-profitwithamissiontoreducetrafficcrashesanddeathsthroughcommunitycollaborationandeducation .DRIVESMARTCOLORADOfoundedanOlderDriverCoalitionin2014withamissionoftheirown:Addresssafedrivingandtransportationneedsofseniorsbyprovidingresourcestosupportindependencesotheyremainintegralmembersoftheircommunityastheytransitionfromdriverstopassengers .

Weallwanttomaintainourindependenceaswegetolder .Formanypeople,theirindependenceislinkedtotheircar .Driverswhousesmartself-managementtoreviewtheirdrivingskillscanretaintheirindependencelonger,whilelimitingriskstothemselvesandothers .

Itisimportanttounderstandhowagingandaging-relatedchangesinhealthstatusaffecttheabilitytodrivesafely .Thisguideisintendedtohelpwiththatunderstanding .Italsoprovidesreferencestowheremoreinformationandservicesmaybeobtained .

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POPULATION FACTS

LiketherestoftheUnitedStates,thepopulationinColoradoisgettingolder .ThetotalpopulationofColoradoin2015was5,456,584 .Outofthat,748,096(13 .7percent)ofColoradoresidentsare65orolder .TheColoradoStateDemographyOffice(SDO)projectsthe65andoverpopulationwillincreaseby160percentby2040 .

Today’solderadultscontinuetodriveintotheirlateryearsandformoremilesthaninthepast .Researchsuggeststhatolderadultscanexpecttooutlivetheirabilitytodrivesafelybysevento10years .

ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT: GENERAL SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS

ColoradoandtheColoradoDepartmentofTransportation(CDOT)havemaderoadwaychangestohelpresidentswithvisualandphysicalissuesassociatedwithaging,including:

ColoradoandtheColoradoDepartmentofTransportationspecifically,wasanearlyadopterofroundaboutstoimproveintersectionsafety .ExamplesincludeseveralI-70interchangesinthemountaincorridorarea,I-25northofDenver,etc .Duringmajorprojects,CDOTofteninstallsroundaboutsinplaceofregularintersectionstoimprovesafety .

ThenewFlashingYellowArrow(FYA)trafficsignallightisreplacingthetraditionalcircular,steadygreensignalfor“permitted”leftturnsatcertainintersectionsinmanycities .TheflashingyellowarrowindicateswhenleftturnsarepermittedONLY AFTER YIELDING TO ONCOMING OR CONFLICTING TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIANS.Remember:Aflashingyellowarrow=Turnwithcaution .

AGE

6%

21%

20%

28%

13%12%

160%

2040Older Drivers will Increase

by 160%

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CDOTactivelyupgradesintersectionswithwhatarecalled“mastarm”trafficsignalpoleconfigurations(oftenmountedatallfourcornersoftheintersection) .Thisreplacestheolddiagonal“spanwire”mountedtrafficsignals .Thenewmastarmmountingallowsindividualtrafficsignal“heads”tobepositionedovereachdrivinglanetoimprovesignalvisibilityandunderstanding .

CDOT,alongwithmanylocalagencies,areupgradingtothelarger12inchsignalheads/lensesfromtheolder8inchlenseswheneverimprovementsaremadetointersections .NewbrighterandhighlyvisibleLEDlensesarealsoofteninstalledduringintersectionupgrades .CDOTalsoaddssignalheadbackplatestohelpsignaldiscernibilityagainstbrightorclutteredbackgrounds .Similarly,yellowreflectivestripsareoftenaddedaroundtheedgesofthesebackplatestohelpwithbothdaytimeandnightsignalconspicuity .

Forgeneralpedestriansafety,countdownpedestriansignalsandlongerwalkphasetimesarebeingphasedintomanyintersectionsduringupgrades .

TheuseofadvancestreetnamesignsandadvancewarningsignshavealsobeenastapleofCDOThighwaydesign .Thesegivedriversa“lookahead”whichallowsthemtoprepareforachangeinthedrivingregimeorhelpwithnavigation .

Ongoingtestingandreviewingofimprovedpavementmarkingmethodsandmaterialsareoccurringthateventuallywillassistthedrivingpublictobetternegotiateroadsbothdayandnightandininclementweather .

“SHARROWS”orSharedLaneMarkingsarerelativelynewroadmarkingsinColorado .Theyareseenmorecommonlyonlow-speedroadwaysincitiesandotherurbanareasthatencouragevariousformsoftravel .Theyhelpshowbicyclistswheretorideinanarrowlanethattheysharewithcars .Thesemarkingsalsohelptoalertmotorvehicledriversofthepotentialpresenceofbicyclesandtopasswithcautionandsufficientclearance .

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Yieldlinepavementmarkingsor“SharksTeeth”aretriangularmarkingsusedtoinformthedriverofwheretheyarerequiredtoyieldorstopforothertrafficand/orpedestrians .Theselinesarefoundatintersections,roundaboutsandsometimesseenbetweenintersectionsatmid-blockpedestriancrossings .

Speedhump(orspeedtable)markingsaretriangularpavementmarkingsthatshowdriverswherearaisedsectionofpavementorspeedhumpislocatedsotheycanslowdowntopreventaroughrideorcardamage .Speedhumpscanbeusedastrafficcalmingorslowingfeaturesorcanidentifymarkedorunmarkedcrosswalks .

Roadway Lighting

Streetlightingisanimportantsafetyfeaturetodriversofallages .Recentchangesinthefieldoflightingmaybeespeciallyhelpfultoolderdrivers .TheswitchtoLED(LightEmittingDiode)systemsisleadingthischange .LEDstreetlightingoffersseveraladvantagesoverconventional(highpressuresodium)technologiesincluding:

Betterillumination,visibilityandcolorprecisionhelpingtoincreaseadriver’speripheralvisionandincreasebrakereactiontime .

Improvedenergysavingsandutilitycostcontrol:30-50%savingsandshorterpaybackperiodsofferingoptionstoprovidelightinginmorelocations .

Reducedmaintenancecostsandlongerservicelife:2-5timesaslongastraditionalstreetlights .

LEDscanincorporatesmarttechnologiessuchasdimmingfunctions(adaptivesystems)toreducebrightnessduringperiodsoflowertrafficandpedestrianactivity .

Bettercontroloflightpatterns,reducedlightpollutionandrecently“colortemperature”specificationswhichhelpcustomizelightingforacommunity’sneeds .

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Driving Through Multi-Lane Roundabouts

Chooseyourlaneasyouapproachtheroundaboutjustlikearegularintersection:

TO TURN RIGHT OR CONTINUE STRAIGHT AHEAD ON THE ROAD Getintherightlaneandplantousetherightlaneoftheroundabout .

TO TURN LEFT OR CONTINUE STRAIGHT AHEADGetintheleftlaneandusetheleftlaneoftheroundabout .

TO MAKE A U-TURNPlantousetheleftlaneintheroundabout .

Right Turn

Left Turn

Attheyieldlineandyieldsignyouseejustbeforeenteringtheroundabout,youmustYIELD TO TRAFFIC IN BOTH LANESoftheroundaboutbecauseyouneedtochoosewhichlanetoenter .

Alwayswatchforpedestriansandbikeswhenyouapproachtheroundabout,whileinsideofandasyouexittheroundabout,becausecrosswalksoftenarelocatedjustoutsideoftheroundabout .

Forsafety,don’tchangelanes,stoporpassanothervehiclewhileintheroundabout .

Don’tdrivenexttolargetrucksandbusesinroundaboutsbecause,duetotheirlength,theyoftenneedbothlanestomaketheirturn .

Remember,youcantakeitslow .

Straight

U-turn

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LICENSING REQUIREMENTSIndividuals Over the Age of 65ColoradoresidentsmayholdaColoradodriver’slicenseORColoradoIDcard-notboth .

Driver licenses:

• Arerenewedevery5years .

• Maynotrenewtheirdriver’slicenseonline(C .R .S .42-2-118(1 .5)(a)(I)) .

• Mayrenewtheirdriver’slicenseinanoffice .

• Mayrenew-by-maileveryotherrenewalcycle(licensesorIDcardsthatwerevalidfor10yearsarenoteligibletorenewbymail) .

• COLO .REV .STAT .ANN .§§42-2-114;42-2-1185Ifrenewingbymail,66+mustsubmitasignedformfromanoptometristorophthalmologistthattheyhavetherequisitevisualacuitysetbyregulation—Noelectronicrenewalfordrivers66+ .

Identification Cards: Firsttimeapplicantsorthosewishingtostepdownfromadriver’slicensetoanidentificationcardmustvisitanoffice .

• Individualsovertheageof60wishingtoobtainanidentificationcardinlieuofadriver’slicensemaydosoatnocharge(over60yearsoldFREE) .

• 65yearsofageandolder:mayeithervisitanofficeorrenewonline/bymaileverytime(IDcardsthatwerevalidfor10yearsarenoteligibletorenewonlineorrenew-by-mail) .

• Youmustprovideenoughdocumentationtoproveyourname,dateofbirth,identityandlawfulpresenceintheUnitedStates .

• YoumustprovideyourSocialSecuritynumberorshowyouroriginal,non-laminatedSocialSecuritycard .

• Youmustprovideproofofaddress .Proofofaddressisanythingthatshowsyournameandcurrentresidentialaddresssuchasvehicleregistration,checkbook,bankstatement,utilitybill,rentagreement,paystub,schoolrecord,medicalrecord,etc .

Renew Your ID Card:Reduceyourwaittimeandscheduleanappointmentonline .YoumayrenewyouradultIDcardanytimepriortotheexpirationdate-youshouldn’twaituntilitexpires .

For additional information please call: (303) 205-5694.

RE-EXAMINATIONRe-Examination Of Driving Skills: Why do I have to take a re-exam when my license hasn’t expired yet?ThereareseveralreasonsthattheStatemayrequireyoutocomeinandtakeare-examination .Whenyouhavetwoaccidentsonyourrecordwithinthreeyearsofeachother,wewillaskyoutotakeare-examination .Youmayalsobeaskedtotakeare-examinationifafamilymemberordoctorfeels,formedicalreasons,youshouldtakeare-examination .Alawenforcementofficermayalsofileanincidentreportrequestingthatyoutakeare-examination .

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How do I request a re-examination for a family member?Thedepartmentcanrequestadrivertotakeare-examinationbasedonwritteninformationreceivedfromadoctor,alawenforcementagency,acourtoranimmediatefamilymember .YoumustcalltheDepartmentofRevenueat(303) 205-5886or(303) 205-5851orsendalettertorequestare-examinationbyfaxing(303) 205-8301 .RequestaformDR2401 .Rememberthatonlyadoctor,lawenforcementagency,acourt,oranimmediatefamilymembermayrequestare-examination .

Can the request for re-exam be kept confidential?Therequestcannotbekeptconfidential .Thedriverhastherighttoknowwhyhe/sheisbeingrequiredtotakeare-examination .Thedrivercanuponproofofidentificationanda$2 .20feebeprovidedacopyofthewritteninformationusedbyourofficetorequestthere-examination .

What if the family member in question has medical issues?Ifthedriverhasmedicalissuesthefamilymembershouldcontactthedriver’sdoctorandhavethedoctorprovideawrittenrequestforthere-examination .Thedoctorcanfaxthewrittenrequestforare-examinationto (303) 205-8301 .

Can re-examinations be extended if I can’t take my re-examination?Re-examinationscannotbeextendedunlessrequestedbyadoctor .Thedoctormustprovide,onletterhead,thereasonfortheextensionandthelengthoftheextension .Iftheextension

timeperiodistobelongerthantwoweeksfromtheoriginaltimerequestthentherestraintwillgointoeffect .Whenthedriverisabletotakeandpassthere-examinationonthefirstattempt,theactionwillberescinded .

Colorado State LawHow is the driver notified that he/she needs to take a re-examination?Thedriverisnotifiedbymailthathe/shehastwentydaysfromthedateofthecorrespondencetotakeare-examination .Theletterinformsthedrivertocontactthenearestfullservicedriver’slicenseoffice .BesuretokeepyouraddresscurrentwiththeDepartmentofRevenuebecausethenoticewillbesenttotheaddressonfile .Youhavethirtydaystonotifythedepartmentwhenyouchangeyouraddress(42-2-119) .

Are-examination(vision,writtenanddriving)willberequiredforoneormoreofthefollowingreasons:

• Involvementin2crasheswithin3years .

• Involvementinafatalcrash .

• Incidentreportfromanylawenforcementagency .

• Medicalreportfromadoctor .

• Afamilymembersubmittingawrittenrequest .

Thenoticeofre-examallowsthedriver20daystocompletethere-exam(passorfail) .Failuretocompletethere-examwithin20dayswillresultincancellationanddenialofyourdrivingprivilege .Afteryouhavetakentheexamination,yourlicense

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maybereturned,youmaybeissuedalicenseorpermitwithrestrictions,oryourdrivingprivilegecouldbecanceledanddenieddependingontheresultsoftheexamination .

42-2-111. Examination of applicants and drivers - when required

(1) (a)Thedepartmentshallexamineeveryapplicantforadriver’sorminordriver’slicense .Theexecutivedirectorofthedepartment,inthedirector’sdiscretion,mayconducttheexaminationinanycountyconvenientfortheapplicant .Theexaminationshallincludeatestoftheapplicant’seyesight,hisorherabilitytoreadandunderstandhighwaysignsthatregulate,warn,anddirecttraffic,andhisorherknowledgeofthetrafficlawsofthisstate,anactualdemonstrationoftheapplicant’sabilitytoexerciseordinaryandreasonablecareandcontrolintheoperationofamotorvehicle,andsuchfurtherphysicalandmentalexaminationasthedepartmentfindsnecessarytodeterminetheapplicant’sfitnesstooperateamotorvehiclesafelyuponthehighways;exceptthatanapplicantseekingrenewalofadriver’slicensebymailundersection42-2-118needonlysubmittheinformationrequiredbythatsection . (b)Thedepartment,inissuingthedrivers’licensesforcertaintypesorgeneralclassesofvehicles,maywaiveanyexaminationrequiredbyparagraph(a)ofthissubsection(1)forapplicantsandmaycertifycertainemployers,governmental

Colorado State Law Continued agencies,orotherappropriateorganizationstotrainandexamineallapplicantsforsuchcertaintypesorgeneralclassesoflicenses,ifsuchtrainingandexaminationisequaltothetrainingandexaminationofthedepartment .

(2)Repealed .

(3)(a)Ifthedepartmenthasevidencethatindicatesthatalicenseddriverorminordriverisincompetentorotherwisenotqualifiedtobelicensed,itmay,uponwrittennoticeofatleasttendaystothelicensee,requiresuchdrivertosubmittoanexamination . (b)Ifafatalmotorvehiclecrashinvolvingoneormorelicenseddriversorminordriversoccurs,thedepartment,ifdeemedappropriate,shallmailawrittennoticetoallsuchdriversinvolvedinthecrashrequiringsuchdriverstosubmittoexamination .Ifthedepartmenthasnotmailedawrittennoticetoanydriverinvolvedinafatalcrashwithinninetydaysafterthedepartmentreceivesnoticeregardingsuchcrash,thedepartmentshallnotrequireanexaminationofsuchdriverbaseduponsuchcrash . (c)Upontheconclusionofanexaminationrequiredunderthissubsection(3),thedepartmentshalltakesuchactionasitdeemsappropriateandmaydeny,cancel,suspend,orrevokethelicenseofsuchpersonorpermitthatpersontoretainsuchlicensesubjecttotherestrictionsundersection42-2-116 .Refusalorfailureofthelicenseetosubmittosuchexaminationshallbegroundsforsuspensionorrevocationofsuchperson’slicense .Suchdecisionofthedepartmentshallbereviewedbya

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courtofrecorduponappealtothatcourtbythepartyaggrieved .

(4)Thedepartmentshallprepareandprintrules,requirements,andregulationsforthemandatoryuseoflicenseexaminersandthesameshallbestrictlyadheredtointheexaminationofalldrivers .

42-2-112. Medical advice - use by department - physician immunity

(1)Inordertodeterminewhetheranylicenseddriveroranyapplicantforadriver’slicenseisphysicallyormentallyabletooperateamotorvehiclesafelyuponthehighwaysofthisstate,thedepartmentisauthorized,pursuanttothissectionandupontheadoptionofrulesconcerningmedicalcriteriafordriverlicensing,toseekandreceiveawrittenmedicalopinionfromanyphysician,physician’sassistant,oroptometristlicensedinthisstate .Suchwrittenmedicalopinionmayalsobeusedbythedepartmentinregardtotherenewal,suspension,revocation,orcancellationofdrivers’licensespursuanttothisarticle .Nowrittenmedicalopinionshallbesoughtpursuanttothissectionunlessthedepartmenthasreasontobelievethatthedriverorapplicantisphysicallyormentallyunabletooperateamotorvehiclesafelyuponthehighwaysofthisstate .

(2)Inadditiontothewrittenmedicalopinionsoughtandreceivedpursuanttosubsection(1)ofthissection,the

Colorado State Law Continued departmentmayconsiderawrittenmedicalopinionreceivedfromthepersonalphysician,physician’sassistant,oroptometristofanindividualdriverorapplicant .Anywrittenmedicalopinionrequestedbytheapplicantordriverfromapersonalphysicianoroptometristshallbeprovidedtothedepartmentattheexpenseoftheapplicantordriver .Anywrittenmedicalopinionrequiredbythedepartmentshallalsobeattheexpenseoftheapplicantordriver .

(3)Nocivilorcriminalactionshallbebroughtagainstanyphysician,physician’sassistant,oroptometristlicensedtopracticeinthisstateforprovidingawrittenmedicaloroptometricopinionpursuanttosubsection(1)or(2)ofthissectionifsuchphysicianoroptometristactsingoodfaithandwithoutmalice .

(4)Awrittenmedicalopinionreceivedbythedepartmentwhichrelatestoanindividualapplicantordriverisfortheconfidentialuseofthedepartmentinmakingdecisionsontheindividual’squalificationsasadriver,andthewrittenmedicalopinionshallnotbedivulgedtoanyperson,excepttotheapplicantordriver,orusedinevidenceinanytrialorproceedingexceptinmattersconcerningtheindividual’squalificationstoreceiveorretainadriver’slicense .

(5)Writtenmedicalopinionsreceivedbythedepartmentpursuanttothissection,inadditiontoothersourcesofinformation,maybeusedbythedepartmentintheadoptionofadministrativerulesconcerningmedicalcriteriafordriver’slicensing .

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REPORTING UNSAFE DRIVERS

ReportinganunsafedrivertotheColoradoDepartmentofRevenue,DivisionofMotorVehicle(TheDepartment)maybethroughreferralsfordriverre-examinationsfrommedicalprofessionals,lawenforcement,familymembersand/orDriverLicensingstaff .Allinformationprovidedremainsconfidentialtotheextentpermittedbylaw .Anonymoustipscannotbeaccepted .Phone(303) 205-5886or(303) 205-5851orfax(303) 205-8301 .

PhysiciansandoptometristsarenotrequiredbutmayreporttotheDepartmentapatient’smentalandphysicalqualificationstooperateamotorvehicleasrequiredbylaw .

UpontheDepartmentreceivingareporttheDepartmentwillissueanoticetothedriverandthedriverisrequired,perexistinglaw,torequestare-examoftheirdrivingabilityand/orprovidedocumentationthattheyhavemetthephysicalormentalrequirementsperthephysicians’recommendations .

AM I SAFE TO DRIVE?

Formostadults,thedriver’slicenseisthemostimportantdocumentthatoffersmobilityandindependence .Manyofusseecarsasphysicalextensionsofourselvesthattakeuswhereverwewant,wheneverwewant .However,thetimemaycomewhendrivingisnolongerasafeoption .Thedecisiontostopdrivingisneveraneasyone .However,thekeyforapositivetransitionfromdrivingtobeingapassengerisplanning .

Warning Signs/Self-AssessmentOurdrivingskillsmaydeteriorateslowlysothatweareunawareofwhatishappening .Self-awarenessisthekeytosafedriving .Theself-assessmentbelow,takenfromtheClinician’sGuidetoAssessingandCounselingOlderDrivers(publishedbytheAmericanMedicalAssociation)canhelpyoudecideifyoushouldhaveyourdrivingabilitiesevaluated .

Ifyoucheckanyoftheboxesonthefollowingsafetyassessment,yoursafetyorthesafetyofothersmaybeatriskwhenyoudrive .Talkwithyourdoctoraboutwaystoimproveyoursafetyifyouareexperiencinganyoftheconditionsorsymptomsthatmaybeaffectingyourabilitytodrivesafely .Ifyounoticeoneormoreofthesewarningsignsyoumaywanttohaveyourdrivingassessedbyadriverrehabilitationspecialist,requestadriverre-examinationwiththeColoradoDepartmentofRevenue-MotorVehicleDivisionorattendadriver’srefresherclass .

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Check the box if the statement applies to you:

□ Igetlostwhiledriving .

□ Myfriendsorfamilymemberssaytheyareworriedaboutmydriving .

□ Othercarsseemtoappearfromnowhere .

□ Ihavetroublefindingandreadingsignsintimetorespondtothem .

□ Otherdriversdrivetoofast .

□ Otherdriversoftenhonkatme .

□ Ifeeluncomfortable,nervous,orfearfulwhiledriving .

□ Afterdriving,Ifeeltired .

□ IfeelsleepywhenIdrive .

□□ Ihavehadsome“near-misses”lately .

□ Busyintersectionsbotherme .

□ Left-handturnsmakemenervous .

□□ Theglarefromoncomingheadlightsbothersme .

□ □ Mymedicationmakesmedizzyordrowsy .

□ □ Ihavetroubleturningthesteeringwheel .

□ □ Ihavetroublepushingdownthefootpedal .

□ □ IhavetroublelookingovermyshoulderwhenIbackup .

□ □ Ihavebeenstoppedbythepoliceformydriving .

□ □ Peoplenolongerwillacceptridesfromme .

□ □ Ihavedifficultybackingup .

□ □ Ihavehadcrashesthatweremyfaultinthepastyear .

□ □ Iamtoocautiouswhendriving .

□ □ Isometimesforgettousemymirrorsorsignals .

□ □ Isometimesforgettocheckforoncomingtraffic .

□ □ Ihavemoretroubleparkinglately .

FAMILY AND CAREGIVER INVOLVEMENT

Families,friendsorcaregiverscanbeeffectiveinhelpingyouwiththeissuesofagingandsafedriving .Itisimportantforeveryoneinvolvedtopreparetostartthisconversationbyknowingandunderstanding:

• Signsandsymptomsindicatingdrivingproblems(warningsigns/self-assessment) .

• Tipsonobservingtheolderadult’sdrivingabilities .

• Howtounderstandthemeaningofdrivingfromthelovedone’sperspective .

• Suggestionsonhowtobeginthedrivingdiscussion .

• Howbesttotalkaboutappropriatedrivingchoicesandalternativewaystotravelaroundthecommunity .

• Communityresourcesfordrivingevaluationandremediation .

• Strategiesfordrivingreductionorretirementofthecarkeys .

• Localtransportationoptions .

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This conversation can be difficult for everyone involved but do not let the following reasons stop you from having it:

• Apprehensionabouttheolderdriver’sresponse .

• Fearofbeingdisrespectful .

• Isolationoftheolderdriveriftheylivealone .

• Burdenonothersforrides .

• Acrisis(crash)hasnotyetoccurred .

Developingatransportationplanearlycanbeasolutionforeveryonetomaintainqualityoflifeandindependencewhendrivingmaynolongerbeasafeoption .

Mostolderdriversaltertheirdrivinghabitsastheyage .However,itisnotalwaysobviouswhentheiractionsbehindthewheelarecauseforconcern .Thatiswhentheactionsoffamily,friends,aphysicianorlawenforcementbecomeimportant .Therearemanyorganizationsthathavedevelopedresourcestohelpolderdriversandtheircaregiversmakedrivingdecisions .Oneexample,theHartfordAdvance50Team,togetherwiththeMITAgeLab,createdfreepublicationstohelpfamiliesaddresssensitivesubjectsandfostermeaningfulfamilyconversationsaboutolderdriversafety .Formoreinformationpleasevisit:www .thehartford .com(searcholderdriver) .AARPoffersafreeonlineseminarcalled“WeNeedtoTalk .”Thecourseteacheshowtoassessalovedone’sdrivingskillsandprovidestoolstohavethisimportantconversation .Formoreinformationpleasevisit:www .aarp .org/driving36 .

CHANGES IN DRIVING BEHAVIOR

Familymembersorcaregiversneedtobeawareofpotentialproblemsaffectingsafedrivingwhentheolderadult:

• isforgetfulorconfused;

• usesbadjudgmentwhendriving;

• failstofollowtherulesoftheroad;

• cannotseewheretheyaregoing;

• exhibitsaggressivedriving;

• driveswellbelowthespeedlimit;

• experiencesmultipletrafficcrashes(dentsordingsonthecar);or

• neighbors,friendsorothersindicatethereisaproblem .

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DOCTORS AND THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY

Doctorsandhealthcareprovidersarealsoimportantpartnersforyouinplanningyoursafedrivingneeds .Theycanhelpyoubemoreawareofhowmedicalconditionsmayaffectyourphysicalormentalfunctionthatcanimpactyoursafedrivingfitness .Whentheeffectsofamedicalconditionareprogressive,periodicevaluationsarerequired .AccordingtotheNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministration’s(NHTSA)DriverFitnessMedicalGuidelines(www .nhtsa .gov/Driving+Safety/Older+Drivers),medicalconditionsthataffectsafedrivingcanfallintothesethreecategories:

• Conditionsthatcreatefunctionallimitations .

• Conditionsthatinvolveapossiblelossofconsciousness .

• Useofsubstances(alcohol,drugsandmedications)judgedtobeincompatiblewithsafedriving .

DRIVING SKILLS ASSESSMENT

Considerhavinganevaluationofyourdriving .Adriverrehabilitationspecialistcanhelpyoudeterminehowavisual,physicalormentalconditionmaybeaffectingyourabilitytodrivesafely .Theywillalsohelpyoudevelopandimplementaplanforhowyoumaydrivesafelydespiteyourlimitations .Insomecases,simplechangesindrivinghabitsmightmakedrivingsaferorsimplevehicleadaptivedevicescanhelpyoucontinuetodrivesafely .Someexamplesofadaptivevehicleequipmentavailablearelargesidemirrors,seatbeltadaptors,pedalextenders,steeringwheelturningknobs,brakingdevicesandseatlifts .

Yourlocalhospital’soccupationaltherapyorRehabilitationServicesdepartmentmaybeabletoprovidepre-screeningandhelpyoulocateanappropriatedriverrehabilitationprograminyourarea .TherearedriverevaluationprogramsthatuseCertifiedDriverRehabilitationSpecialists(CDRS) .TheAssociationforDriverRehabilitationSpecialists(ADED)www .ADED .net,andtheAmericanOccupationalTherapyAssociation(AOTA)websitealsohasadirectorytofinddriverrehabspecialistsathttp://myaota .aota .org/driver_search/index .aspx

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Public Access Driver Rehabilitation Programs in Colorado:

CNS Adaptive Driving SolutionsChristyDittmar,MS,OTR/L,CDRSDeniseKaplan,OTR/L,CDRSColleenKnoll,OTR/L,CDRSTwolocations-Littleton,COandFortCollins,CO(970)493-6667

Covell Care and RehabilitationMarlisLane,OTR/L,CDRSNorthernColorado(970)204-4331

Fitness to DrivePenroseHospitalColoradoSprings,CO(719)776-5200www .penrosestfrancis .org/psf/specialties/rehabilitation-services/fitness-to-drive-driving-rehabilitation-program/

Shift to IndependenceJillWohlgemuth,OTR/L,CDRSWesternSlope(970)201-2264

Specialty clinicsCraigHospital,Denver,CO3425SClarksonStEnglewood,CO80113(303)789-8000

Veterans Administration14400EJewellAveAurora,CO80012(303)283-5400

Drivereducationschoolsareanotherresourceforrefreshing,assessingorimprovingyourdrivingskills .Contactschoolsinyourareatoseeiftheyoffertheservicesyouareinterestedin .Keepinmindthatthereisnoregulationof‘olderdriverassessors’inthiscapacity .

SAFETY TIPS FOR ROAD USERS

Weallwanttomaintainourabilitytogowherewewant,whenwewant,especiallyaswegrowolderandenjoymoreleisuretime .Self-awarenessisthekey .Peoplewhocanaccuratelyassesstheirfitnesstodrivecanadjusttheirdrivinghabitsandstaysafeontheroad .Withsmartself-management,youcanretaintheindependencethatcomeswithdriving,whilelimitingtheriskstoyourselfandothers .

Self-Regulation TipsMany older drivers self-restrict their driving to avoid risky situations. Some common strategies are to:

• driveonlyduringthedaylightifyouarehavingtroubleseeingatnight;

• driveonlyduringgoodweatherconditions;

• avoidrushhourandheavytraffic;

• avoidfast-pacedhighwaydriving;

• andavoiddrivinginunfamiliarareas .

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A few additional strategies older drivers should consider are:

• Ifleftturnsareaproblemormakeyounervous,makethreerightturns,makeleftturnsattrafficlightswithaturnarroworpickalessbusyintersectionforyourleftturn .

• Mapoutsaferoutes,suchasthosewithwell-litstreets,lesstraffic,leftturnswithleft-turnarrows,clearsignsandeasyparking .

• Drivewithafriend .

• Letsomeoneelsedrivewhenyouareuncomfortable .

Safety Tips for DriversAll drivers should:

• notdriveimpaired(alcohol,recreationalormedicalmarijuana,prescriptiondrugsorotherpotentiallyimpairingsubstances);

• alwayswearyoureyeglasses,ifapplicable,andmakesuretheyareacurrentprescription;

• avoiddistractionswhiledriving,suchasmobilephones,eating,pets,etc .;

• alwayswearaseatbelt;

• avoiddrivingwhiletakingmedicationsthatmakeyoudrowsyordizzy;

• drivewhenrestedandavoiddrivingforlongperiods;

• chooseavehiclethathasacomfortablefit,providesmaximumvisibilityandminimalphysicalstrain;

• takecareofyourcarbymakingsureitstayswell-tuned,thereisplentyofgas,hasproperandsafe

tiretreadandkeeplights,windshieldsandmirrorsclean;

• makesureallobjectsandoccupantsaresecuredsotheydonotbecomeairborneduringacrash;

• looktwicebeforeturningasmostcrashesoccuratintersections;

• makesuretoalwayssignalwhenchanginglanes;

• increasefollowingdistanceduringinclementweather;

• driveslowlywhenapproachingacrosswalkandbepreparedtostopforpedestrians;

• stopfarenoughinadvancesodriversinotherlanescanalsoseethepedestrianintimetostop;

• notpassothervehiclesthatarestoppedforpedestrians;

• keepatleastthreefeetbetweenyourvehicleandabicyclistwhenpassing;

• beawarethatpedestriansandbicyclistsmaycrossyourintendedpathifyouarewaitingforagapintraffictosafelymakeaturn;

• checkyourblindspotsbeforechanginglanesormerging,especiallyinheavytraffic;

• giveyourselfextratimetorespondbyleavingatleastafour-seconddistancebetweenyourcarandamotorcycleinfrontofyou;

• beawareofpedestrians,bicyclistsandmotorcyclistsastheycanbeveryhardtosee,especiallyinbadweatheroratnight;

• andgiveafulllanetoamotorcyclewhenpassing,anddonotsharelanes .

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The Five Top Crash Types for Older Drivers

1 Turning left at an intersection with a stop sign:

Lookcarefullyforconflictingvehicles(especiallyfromtheleft)andpedestriansasyouapproachtheintersectionandbeforeandduringyourturn .Smallvehicleslikemotorcyclesandbicyclesareespeciallydifficulttosee .

Takeyourtime,don’tletimpatientdriversbehindyouforceyoutomakeamistake .

Useyourturnsignaltoletothersknowyourintentions .

2 Turning left at an intersection on a green light without a dedicated green turn arrow:

Remember,theopposingtrafficlanes(comingthroughfromtheotherside)haveagreenlightandtheyhavetheright-of-waysowaitforalargeenoughopeninginalllanestomakeyourturnorwaitforthemalltoclear .

Again,lookforconflictingvehiclesandpedestriansmoretimesthanyouthinkis

necessary,bothbeforeandduringyourturn .

Takeyourtime,don’tletimpatientdriversbehindyouforceyoutomakeamistake .

Useyourturnsignaltoletothersknowyourintentions .

3 Turning right at a yield sign to merge with traffic at speeds of 40 to 45 mph (higher speed traffic):

WhenmergingontohighspeedroadsyouneedaLONGopeningbetweencarscomingfromyourlefttomergeinto,atleast10–12secondsbetweenvehiclesdependingonhowpowerfulyourcaris .

WatchforpedestriansandothercarsinfrontofyouANDTOYOURRIGHTwhileyou

looktotheleftforthatlongopeningtomergeinto .

Takeyourtime,don’tletimpatientdriversbehindyouforceyoutomakeamistake .

Useyourturnsignaltoletothersknowyourintentions .

4 Merging onto a highway from a ramp that has a yield sign:

Trytoavoidthesedifficult,shortramps,unlessit’sduringalow-traffictimeofday(orperhapsduringheavycongestionwithlowerspeedsonthehighway) .

Trytogetanearlylookforvehiclesandopeningsintrafficonthehighwaythatiscomingfromtheleftbeforeyoureachtheyieldsignand

havetoturnyourheadtoofarback .

Yieldtheright-of-wayattheyieldsign,ifnecessary,butgoassoonasthere’sagapintraffic .

Useyourturnsignalbefore&whilemerging .

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The Five Top Crash Types for Older Drivers Continued

5 Changing lanes on a highway that has four of more lanes:

Don’ttailgatethedriverinfrontofyousoyoucanhaveachancetolookoveryourshoulderanduseyourmirrorstoplanyourlanechange .

Useyourturnsignalsoothersknowyourintentions .

Youmustlookoveryourshoulder,totheside,tomakesureyourintendedlaneisclear .

Onlychangelanesonelaneatatime .

DRIVER PLANNING AGREEMENT

I realize that the natural aging process may, at some point in the future, affect my ability to drive safely. By taking the time now to work closely with my family, I can develop a plan to ensure my safety and the safety of others while also maintaining my mobility and independence.

The most important thing my family can do is to help me explore all of my options to keep me driving or mobile. If concerned about my driving abilities, help me access the appropriate resources or services that can potentially mitigate these concerns so that I may safely drive. Examples include, but are not limited to:

◆ Help me find an occupational therapist who is trained to address the problems that put me at riskbehind the wheel and equipped to develop an individualized plan to use moving forward;

◆ Ensure that I am able to visit my primary care physician or local pharmacist to review how medica-tions I take may affect my driving;

◆ Assist me in accessing an eye doctor or vision care specialist who can address my needs;◆ Help me determine how I can appropriately self-regulate when and where I drive so that I maintain

maximum comfort and safety behind the wheel; and◆ Encourage me to take a driver-improvement course to refresh my skills and learn new techniques for

adapting to my changing needs as an aging driver.

Additionally, I want my family to help me explore other forms of transportation, showing me all of my choices, and recognizing that these options may complement my driving or be used as a substitute to extend my mobility should driving become unsafe. Examples include, but are not limited to:

◆ Discuss the places I enjoy going and the destinations I need to reach to ensure I maintain a high qualityof life;

◆ Identify local public and private transportation options available in my community (e.g., carpooling,public transportation, local organizations with a volunteer driver program, or other services) so thatI am aware of my options;

◆ Introduce me to these transportation options before I must rely on them so that I become familiarwith them when I do choose to use them; and

◆ Recognize that I may need support and practice to feel safe using these other transportation options.It may take a few rides or the companionship of a friend to accompany me until I am comfortable. Ifnecessary, we will make certain I have the necessary support services to ensure I can get home safely.

I trust my family to prioritize my safety and mobility and to not ask me to stop driving until all options have been explored.

Should it become necessary to discuss if it is safe or reasonable for me to continue driving,

I designate to address this issue with me. (name of family member or trusted friend)

Signed: Date: (Your signature)

Signed: Date: (Family member)

Helping families plan together for continued, safe mobility

PLANNING AGREEMENT/ADVANCE DRIVING DIRECTIVE

Thedecisionbyanolderdrivertoretirethecarkeyscanbeloadedwithsymbolismofphysicaldecline,dependenceandaging .Itisunderstandablewhyrelinquishingthis“signatureprivilegeofadulthood”isoftendifficultfordriversanduncomfortableforthedriver’sfamilytodiscuss .TheDriverPlanningAgreement(DPA)alsoknownasAdvanceDrivingDirective(ADD)isadocumenttohelpaddressthissensitiveissue .Thepurposeoftheagreement,ordirective,isfortheolderdrivertonamethepersonthathe/shewantstoinitiatethediscussionaboutcontinueddriving(orretiringthekeys)whenthetimeisright .UnlikeahealthcarePowerofAttorney(whichtransfersdecisionmakingaboutmedicaldecisionstotheagentattheappropriatetime),theDPA/ADDdoesnotappointsomeonetomakethe“stopdrivingdecision”forthedriver .Rather,itisaconversationstarterabouttheolderdrivernamingapersonthattheywouldliketohavebringupthistouchy,andoftenemotional,subject .

TodownloadahardcopyoftheDriverPlanningAgreement,pleasegotowww .drivesmartcolorado .com/programs/older-adult-driver .

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SAFETY TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING

Note: Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles do not stop faster on ice than two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles. The heavier the vehicle, the longer it takes to stop.

• Alwayswearyourseatbelt!

• MaintainTraction:Makesureyourtireshavegoodtread,keeptiresatthecarmanufacturer’srecommendedpressureandroutinelychecktirepressureduringcoldweather .Considercarryingchainsinyourvehicleduringwintermonths .Startandstopgraduallytoavoidlosingtraction;driveatsteadyspeeds;accelerateslightlywhenapproachingahill,thenmaintainasteadyspeedgoingup;andgeardownondowngrades .

• Skids:Ifyourvehiclebeginstoskid,removeyourfootfromtheacceleratororbrake,steerinthedirectionoftheskidandoncesteady,turnthewheelstraightandproceed .

• Braking:Begentlewithbrakingpressure;knowwhattypeofbrakesystemyouhave–gentlypumpdiscbrakestoavoidlockingthewheels .Lockingyourwheelswillsendyourvehicleintoaskid(anti-lockbrakeswillprovidethisactionforyou)andavoidbrakingonacurvebydrivingthroughthematasafe,steadyspeed .

• Slowdown!Mostcrashesoccurbydrivingtoofastforconditions .

• Useyourlow-beamheadlightsinbadweather,especiallywheresnowisfallingorblowingheavily .Leaveextraspacebetweenyouandthevehicleaheadofyou .

• Washyourcarforbettervisibilitytootherdriversandremoveiceandsnowfromalllights,windowsandthelicenseplatebeforedriving .

Bepreparedfortheunexpected .Haveanemergencykitinyourvehicleincaseyoubecomestranded .Thisshouldincludeitemssuchas:cellphoneandcharger;anextrawintercoat,pants,hat,bootsandgloves;blanket;nonperishablefood;flashlightwithbatteries;drycontainerofmatches;jumpercables;towstrap;first-aidkit;shovel;saltorsand;roadreflectorsoremergencywarninglights;andasparetireandjack .Ifstranded,stayinyourvehicle,turnonyourflashers,callforhelpandwaituntilhelparrives .

Inadditiontoanemergencykit,besuretocheckyourvehicletomakesureitisinsafeoperatingcondition .Checkthewindshieldwiperfluid,heater/defroster,wiperblades,antifreeze,lights,fuelsystem,ignition,exhaustsystem,tiretread,batteryandbrakesandhaveafulltankofgastokeepthefuellinefromfreezing .

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SAFETY TIPS FOR PEDESTRIANS• Avoidroadsandinterstates

wherepedestriansarerestrictedorprohibited .

• Useextracautionatintersections .

• Onlycrossinamarkedcrosswalk,especiallyonmulti-laneandhigherspeedstreets .

• Usesidewalkswhenprovided .Whenthereisnosidewalk,walkfacingtrafficontheshoulderoftheroadway .

• Makeiteasyfordriverstoseeyoubydressingin

lightcolorsandwearingreflectivematerialbothinfrontandback .

• Useaflashlightatnightorindimlylitlocations .

• Donotcountondriversalwayspayingattention .

• Makeeyecontactwithdriverstobesuretheyseeyou .

• Watchwhereyouaregoingatalltimes .

• Avoidanyalcoholordrugs,whichcanimpairyourabilitytowalksafely .

SAFETY TIPS FOR BICYCLISTS• Alwaysridewithtrafficand

followtherulesoftheroad .

• Donotrideonthesidewalk .

• Rideonthetrail,pavedshoulder,bikelaneorbikeroute .

• Makeiteasyfordriverstoseeyoubydressingin

brightcolorsandwearingreflectivematerialbothinfrontandback .

• Watchfordebristhatmightmakeyoufallorswerve .

• Watchforturningtraffic .

• Wearappropriatesafetygear,includingahelmet .

SAFETY TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS• Getproperlytrained

andendorsed .

• Wearappropriatesafetygear,includingahelmet,gloves,boots,eyeprotectionandajackettoprotectyouinacrash .

• Brightcolorsandreflectivematerialswillincreaseyourvisibility .

• Beextracautious,payingattentiontothesignals

andbrakelightsofothervehicles,especiallytrucks .

• Conductasafetyinspectionofyourmotorcyclebeforeeachride .

• Watchyourspeed,especiallyinbadweatheroratnight .

• Neverhangoutinanothervehicle’sblindspot .

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KEEPING SAFE WHILE DRIVING

Tokeepyousafewhiledriving,itisimportanttoknowtheresourcesthatareavailableinColorado .

CarFitCarFitisaneducationalsafetyprogramcreatedbytheAmericanSocietyonAginganddevelopedjointlywiththeAmericanAutomobileAssociation(AAA),AARPandtheAmericanOccupationalTherapyAssociation(AOTA) .CarFitisdesignedtokeepyousafeandcomfortablebyimprovingthe“fit”betweenyouandyourvehicle .CarFithelpspromotesafedrivingconversationswhileprovidingyouinformationabouttransportationsafetyandmobilityresourcesavailableinyourcommunity .CarFitcheckupsarefree,funanddon’ttakemuchofyourtime .

Trained volunteers will help you learn things such as:

• Whatistheclearlineofsightoveryoursteeringwheel?

• Whatisthesafedistancebetweenyouandyourairbag?

• Whatistheproperpositionofyourvehicleseatandallmirrors?

• Whatistheproperuseandfitofyourseatbelt?

• TofindaCarFiteventnearyou,visitwww .car-fit .org .

Driver Safety CoursesRefreshyourknowledgeofsafedrivingpractices,trafficsignsandroadwayfeaturesbytakingadriversafetyclass .Classroomandonlineclassesareavailable .Tofindacoursenearyou,contactyourlocalAAAbranchorAARPSmartDriverProgram .

• AAA:www .seniordriving .aaa .com

• AARPSmartDriver:www .aarp .org/driving36

THE IMPACT OF AGING ON DRIVING

Mostpeopleseeasteadydeclineinsomeoftheskillsimportantfordrivingastheygetolder .Generally,startingatage55thereoftenisaslowdecreaseinhowwellweprocessinformation,rememberandjudgedrivingevents,suchasthedistanceofoncomingtraffic .However,thechangesofagingdonotaffectalldriversinthesameway .Specificskills,suchasvision,memory,strength,flexibilityandquickreactiontimedeclineasweagebuttheratevariesfrompersontoperson .Yourhealthiscloselyconnectedtoyourdriving .Youmustbeabletoseewellenoughtodetecthazardsindifferenttypesoflighting,judgedistances,adjusttothespeedoftrafficandreadroadsigns .Yourbrainmustbealertenoughtoquicklydecidethecorrectcourseofactioninanytypeoftrafficsituation,includingunexpectedones .

Yourbodymustalsobeabletorespondandreactquickly .Drivingpresentsparticularchallengestoolderadultsbecauseofchangesinvision,cognitionandphysicalfunction .The

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increaseduseofmedicationsaswegetoldermayaffectdrivingaswell .Itisyourresponsibilitytounderstandhowyourlimitationsaffectyourdriving .TheNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministration(NHTSA)“OlderDrivers”webpage(http://www .nhtsa .gov/Driving+Safety/Older+Drivers)provideslinkstoaseriesofpamphletsthataddressthemorecommonmedicalconditionsthataffectanolderperson’sabilitytodrivesafely,suchasAlzheimer’s,arthritis,cataracts,stroke,etc .YoumayalsocontactNHTSAforfreetrafficsafetyinformationat888-327-4236 .Thewebsite(www .nhtsa .gov/Driving+Safety/Older+Drivers)alsoprovidesinformationformedicalprofessionals,withtwonoteworthypublications:DriverFitnessMedicalGuidelinesandthePhysician’sGuidetoAssessingandCounselingOlderDrivers .

VisionThemainsenseyouuseindrivingisvision .Visualdeclineisthemostimportantlossforagingdrivers .

Aging eyes need:

• morelighttohelpdistinguishfeaturesalongtheroadway;

• tobeclosertoproperlyreadtrafficsignsandmarkings;

• andmoretimetorecoverfromtheglareofbrightheadlights

atnightorthesun .

Itisimportantthatyouseewelltohelpensuresafedriving .Haveyoureyescheckedasrecommendedbyavisionspecialist .Ifyouwearglassesorcontactlensesfordriving,pleaserememberto:

• Alwayswearthemwhenyoudrive,evenifyouareonlytravelingashortdistance .Ifyourdriver’slicenseindicatesthatyoumustwearcorrectivelensesandyouarenotwearingthem,itmayresultinmissingastopsign,gettinginvolvedinacrashorreceivingaticket .

• Keepanextrapairofglassesinyourcarincaseyourregularglassesgetbrokenorlost .Thiswillalsohelpifyouonlyuseglassesforactivitiessuchasdrivingandyouforgetyourregularpairwhenyougetinthevehicle .

• Avoidwearingdarkglassesortintedcontactlenseswhendrivingatnight,evenifyouthinkitwillhelpwithheadlightglare .Darkortintedglasses/lensescanshutoutlight .Youneedasmuchlightaspossibletohelpyouseeclearlywhendrivingatnight .

HearingGoodhearingisimportantbecauseitalertsyoutothesirens,hornsandotheraudiocuesneededtodrive .Hearingoftenchangesasyougetolder .Youshouldseeyouraudiologistorotherhearingspecialistregularlybecauseitisimportanttomaintainyourhearing,andwearhearingaidsifnecessary .Itisasimportanttokeepahearingaidup-to-dateasitistheprescriptionforyoureyeglassesorcontacts .Avoidturningyourhearingaiddown(oroff)evenifyouthinkthatitreducesdistraction .

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MedicationRoadwiseRXisafreeconfidentialonlinetooldevelopedbytheAAAFoundationforTrafficSafetythatadultscanusetoexplorehowmedicationsmayaffectsafetybehindthewheel .www .seniordriving .aaa .com

CognitionCognitionistheactofprocessinginformationforknowledgeandunderstanding .Itincludesyourabilitytothink,useyoursenses,payattention,learn,read,andproblemsolve .Drivingisaverycomplexactivitythatrequiresyoutousemanyoftheseskillswhetheryouaredrivingashortorlongdistance .

Drivingisacomplextaskthatrequiresyoutoprocessandrememberseveralobjectivessimultaneously,suchashowtooperateyourvehicleinallkindsofconditions,whattrafficsignsandsignalsmeanandhowtogettoyourdestinationsafely .Youmustbeabletodoallthesethingswhileprocessingallotherinformationyouencounterwhenyouarebehindthewheel .

Faulty cognition may result in:

• distractionordisorientationasyouaredriving;

• problemsmaintainingcontrolofyourcarforlongdistances;

• slowerresponsetotrafficsigns,signalsormarkings;

• troublerecognizingchangesintrafficconditions,traffichazardsandemergencies;

• delayedreactiontoseeingandrespondingtothepositionofothercars,trucksormotorcyclesastheychangelanesorasyouentertheroadway;

• troublerecognizingandsafelyrespondingtopedestriansandbicyclists;

• problemsproperlyoperatingthecontrolsinyourcar,suchasconfusingthebrakeandgaspedals;

• improperuseofyourturnsignaltowarnotherdriverswhenyourcaristurningorchanginglanes;

• ortroubleplanningandsafelymaneuveringyourdrivingroute .Frequentlybecominglostorconfusedwhendriving .Thiscanresultinpanicandsuddenirrationalchangeswhiledriving,suchaslosingcontrolofyourcar .

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DementiaDementiaisadeclineofcognitionduetolossofordamagetonervecellsinthebrainandcanaffectmanyofthecriticalabilitiesyouneedtodrivesafely .Thesemayincludeperceptionandvisualprocessing,maintainingattention,respondingtomultiplestimuli,makingcorrectdecisions,andactingappropriatelyindifficulttrafficsituations .Peopleintheearlystagesofdementiamaystillbeabletooperateavehicleundernormalcircumstancesbutwillhaveincreaseddifficultyasthediseaseprogresses .TheNHTSADriverFitnessMedicalGuidelinesliststhefollowingsignstohelpdetermineifapersonneedsevaluationforpossibledementia:

• Scoresfromsimplescreeningtoolsshowpossiblecognitiveissues .

• Hashadarecentcrashormovingviolation .

• Hasbeenprescribedmedicationsformemoryproblems .

• Usesmedications,suchastranquilizers,benzodiazepines,neuroleptics,orantidepressants .

• Is80yearsorolder .

• Hasarecenthistoryoffalls .

Physical ConditionAsweage,weusuallylosemusclemassandbonestrength,whichincreasesyourchancesofinjuryordeathinacrash .Driversage65orolderhavefourtimestheoddsofsustainingseriousinjuriescomparedtodriversunderage24 .Agingcanalsoresultinsensoryissuesinyourhandsandfeet,suchastingling,numbness,andproblemstellingwheretheyarepositioned .Thesecanaffectyourabilitytofeel,grasp,manipulateorreleaseobjects .Lossofstrengthresultsintroublekeepingafirmgriponyoursteeringwheelorkeepingconsistentpressureonthepedalswithyourlegsandfeet .Decreasedflexibilitymaycauserigidityorlimitedrangeofmotionintheneck,torso,arms,legsorjoints .Vertigo,dizziness,orlossofbalancecanoccur,alongwithmusclespasmsortremorsthatmaycauseyoutolosecontrolofyourvehicle .

Common Driving ErrorsTakingintoconsiderationhowagingeffectsyourdriving,thesearethemostcommonproblemareas:

• Makingleftturns

• Drivingatnight

• Mergingintotraffic

• Changinglanes

• Keepingupwiththeflowoftraffic

• Yieldingtotraffic

• Followingtrafficsignals

• Impaireddriving(includingprescriptionandover-the-countermedication)

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TIRE INFORMATION…KNOW THE FACTS!

Whileit’seasytooverlookthosefourpatchesofrubbercalledyourtires,performingafewsimplecheckscanyieldbetterfueleconomyandimprovedvehiclehandling .Sincemosttiredamageandwearisaresultofdrivingontiresthatareimproperlyinflated,tireexpertssuggestcheckingyourairpressureonceamonth .Maintainingpropertirepressureisimportantformanyreasonsotherthanreducingthepotentialofaflattireorablowout .Inordertoachieveoptimumhandlingfromyourvehicle,fromeverydaydrivingtomakingemergencymaneuvers,tirepressureneedstobeattheproperinflationlevel .Evenatirethatdoesn’tappeartobelowonaircanresultinreducedvehiclehandlingandexcessivetreadwear .

How to Check Your Tire Pressure Tochecktirepressure,useanairpressuregauge .Theseinexpensiveitemsareavailableatautopartsstores,gasstations,orintheautomotivesectionofdepartmentstores .Manygasstationshaveonethatyoucanborrowinapinch .

How Much Air Pressure?Youcanfindthevehicle’srecommendedairpressureinyourowner’smanualoronaplacardtypicallylocatedonthedriver’sdoorjamb .Theplacardmayalsobelocatedinthegloveboxorinsidethetrunklidorfuelfillerdoor .

Checking Tread Depth. Placeaquarterortiretreadguageintoseveraltreadgroovesacrossthewidthofthetire .IfpartofWashington’sheadisalwayscoveredbythetread,yourtireshavemorethan4/32ofaninchoftreaddepthremainingandaresafeforuse .IfthetopofWashington’sheadisexposedatanypoint,youshouldreplacethetires .Thisreplacesthepreviousmethodofcheckingtiretreaddepthusingapennytomeasure2/32ofaninch .Althoughlegalat2/32ofaninch,asaferchoiceis4/32ofaninch .

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Foot and Leg Lifter Usefulforbringingyourfootupandovertheedgeofthevehicle .

Key Turner/Key Holder Helpstograspandturnthekey .(usefulforthosewithweakwristsandarthritis)

Gas Cap Wrench Helpsturnthegascap .

Swivel Seat Helpswithtransferringintooroutofthevehiclewithouttwisting(similartoa“LazySusan”) .

Handy Bar Usefulasa“grabbar”foreasegettingintooroutofyourvehicle .Alsoincludesaseatbeltcutter .

Easy Reach Seat Belt Extendsyourreachoveryourshouldertoaccessandputonaseatbelt .

Wedge Cushion Addsheightandcushiontoavehicleseat .

ADAPTIVE DEVICES DESCRIPTIONSTheseitemsareoftenavailableatlocalautopartstoresoronlineatwww .amazon .com Thereisasimpleyetpowerfultechniquetoreducethesize

ofyourvehicle’sblindspots .Itinvolvesonlyacoupleofadjustmentstoyourvehicle’ssidemirrors .

From a parked position, follow these steps:

1 .Toadjusttheleftsidemirror,restyourheadagainsttheclosedwindowandsetthemirrortobarelyshowtheedgeofyourvehicle .

2 .Tosettherightmirror,leantotherightsothatyourheadisdirectlybelowtherearviewmirrororabovethecenterconsole .Adjustthismirrorthesameway,soyoucanjustbarelyseetheedgeoftherightsideofyourvehicle .

Withthesidemirrorsnowangledoutwardslightlymore,you’llgainincreasedvisualcoverageofyourblindspots .Youshouldstillperformaquickheadcheckbeforechanginglanes,butyou’llnowhavealmostseamlessvisualcontactwithallareasbehindyourvehicle .

Another way to enhance your vision to the rear is to install special mirrors to reduce your blind areas:

•Considerinstallinglargersidemirrors-rightandleft .

•Useapanoramic(curved)rearviewmirrorinside .

•Youmayalsowanttoattachasmallconvex(curved)mirroronasideviewmirror .Althoughconvexmirrorsmakeobjectsseemfartheraway,theycanhelpyoudetectmovementmoreeasily .However,don’tdependsolelyonaconvexsidemirror,whichmightmakeyouthinkyouhavemoreroomthanyoureallydo .

ENHANCED MIRROR SETTINGS

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PLANNING TABLE

Where do I want to go?

How many miles from my home?

How often do I want

to go?

Can I take a

bus? Y/N

Can I ride with my family/friends?

Y/N

Can I walk

there? Y/N

Are there other

services to get there?

Y/N

Grocery Store

Church

Doctor’s Office

Shopping

Entertainment

Visit Family/Friends

Other

RETIREMENT FROM DRIVING

Thoseofuswhodrivewanttocontinuedrivingaslongaswecandososafely .However,formanyofus,thetimewillcomewhenwemustlimitorstopdrivingforoursafetyandthesafetyofothers .Considerationshouldbegiventothetransportationoptionsavailableintheareawhereyouplantoretire .Youmaywanttochoosealocationclosertoservicesoronethathasaccesstoalternativetransportationoptions .

Develop a Transportation PlanCurrently,nineoutof10olderadultsprefertogrowoldintheirownhomes .However,inorderto“ageinplace”comfortablyyouneedaccesstotransportationwhenyouarenolongerabletodrivesafely .Ifyouhavenoothertransportationoptions,youmayfeelforcedtocontinuedrivingevenwhenitisnolongersafeorstopdrivingaltogetherandstayhome,whichcanleadtoisolationanddepression .Learnaboutyourtransportationoptionsnow,createatransportationplan,andtrythemout .Optionsyoumayhaveinyourareaincludebusandtrolleyservices,seniorshuttles,walking,friendsandfamily,taxis,communitydrivingservices,etc .

• Ifyouareconcernedthatyoudonotknowhowtousepublictransportation,thereareprogramsavailablethathelppeoplelearnhowtousethem,oryoucanaskafriendtoaccompanyyou .

• Askquestionsabouttheservicesandschedulesofeachtypeoftransportationavailabletoyou,includingwhethertheyoffereveningorweekendrides .

• Thecostsassociatedwithtaxicabsandotherfee-for-hiretransportationservicescanbeoffsetbythesavingsyou’llrealizeonceyou’renolongerpayingforowning,maintaining,insuringandparkingyourcar .

• Usingalternatetransportationreleasesyoufromtheworriesofdrivingandparkingyourowncar .

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Transportation Options in Colorado(represents a partial listing)

Representing, Servicing and Promoting Transit in Coloradowww .coloradotransit .com/Transit-in-Colorado/Transit-Director

Getting There Guide. A resource guide to transportation services for the Denver Metro Area. www .drmac-co .org/

North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization is a resource for locating transportation services that offer alternatives to moving around the region by personal vehicle. www .nfrmpo .org

Mountain Rides help those who live in the Northwestern Colorado region find transportation. www .mtnride .org/ride-resources/

GoGoGrandparent turns on-demand transportation companies like Uber into services that help families take better care of older adults.www .gogograndparent .com

Ride-Hailing Serviceswww .lyft .comorwww .uber .com

Complete listing of Colorado’s Area Agencies on Aging www .colorado .gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-VetDis/CBON/1251651403806

COMPLETE RESOURCE LISTS

For a complete list of downloads from this document. Please visit:DriveSmartColorado .com/resources

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Colorado Area Agencies on Aging

Colorado’s16AreaAgenciesonAgingaretrusted,unbiased,organizationsthatprovideinformation,resources,andservicestoolderadults,personswithdisabilitiesandtheirfamilycaregivers .Professionalresourcespecialistsprovideinformationandassistanceonhousingoptions,in-homeservices,home-deliveredmeals,caremanagement,caregiverreliefservices,legalassistance,counseling,training,transportationoptions,nursingfacilitytransitionsandMedicareandMedicaidassistance .

EAGLE SUMMIT

PARKLAKE

CHAFFEE

FREMONT

CUSTER

HUERFANO

PUEBLO

EL PASOTELLER

DOUGLASJEFFERSON

ELBERT

ARAPAHOE

ADAMSDENVERWASHINGTON

YUMA

MORGAN

LOGANSEDGWICK

PHILLIPS

LINCOLNCHEYENNE

KIT CARSON

LAS ANIMAS

OTERO

CROWLEYKIOWA

BENT

BACA

PROWERS

MOFFAT

RIO BLANCO

GARFIELD

MESA

DELTA

MONTROSE

SAN MIGUEL

DOLORES

MONTEZUMA

LA PLATAARCHULETA CONEJOS

COSTILLA

ALAMOSARIO GRANDE

SAGUACHE

MINERAL

HINSDALE

SANJUAN

OURAY

GUNNISON

PITKIN

ROUTTJACKSON

GRAND

LARIMER

BOULDER

WELD

GILPINCLEARCREEK

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Region 1 NortheasternColoradoAssoc .ofLocalGov .970 .867 .9409Logan,Morgan,Phillips,Sedgwick,Washington,Yuma

Region 2A LarimerCountyOfficeonAging970 .498 .7750Larimer

Region 2B WeldCountyAAA970 .346 .6950Weld

Region 3ADRCOGAAA303 .455 .1000Adams,Arapahoe,Broomfield,ClearCreek,Denver,Douglas,Gilpin,Jefferson

Region 3BBoulderCountyAreaAgencyonAging303 .441 .3570Boulder

Region 4PPACGAreaAgencyonAging719 .471 .2096ElPaso,Park,Teller

Region 5 EastCentralCouncilofGovernments719 .348 .5562Ext .5Cheyenne,Elbert,KitCarson,Lincoln

Region 6 LowerArkansasValleyAAARegion9SanJuanAAARegion12AlpineAAA719 .383 .3166Baca,Bent,Crowley,Kiowa,Otero,Prowers

Region 7PuebloAAA719 .583 .6120Pueblo

Region 8South-CentralColoradoSeniorsInc .719 .589 .4511Alamosa,Conejos,Costilla,Mineral,RioGrande,Saguache

Region 9 SanJuanAAA970 .264 .0501Archuleta,Dolores,LaPlata,Montezuma,SanJuan

Region 10LeagueforEconomicAssistance&Planning970 .249 .2436Delta,Gunnison,Hinsdale,Montrose,Ouray,SanMiguel

Region 11Assoc .GovernmentsofNorthwestColorado970 .248 .2717Garfield,Mesa,Moffat,RioBlanco,Routt

Region 12 AlpineAAA970 .468 .0295Eagle,Grand,Jackson,Pitkin,Summit

Region 13UpperArkansasAAA719 .539 .3341Chaffee,Custer,Fremont,Lake

Region 14Huerfano/LasAnimasAreaCOG719 .845 .1133Huerfano,LasAnimas

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1 SingleEntryPoint(SEP)NortheasternColoradoAssociationofLocalGovernments231MainStreet,Suite211FortMorgan,CO80701Phone:970 .867 .9409Fax:970 .867 .9053Website:www .NortheasternColorado .comNortheasternRegionCounties:Logan,Morgan,Phillips,Sedgwick,Washington,Yuma

2-A LarimerCountyOfficeonAgingLarimerCountyHumanServices2601Midpoint,Suite112FortCollins,CO80524Phone:970 .498 .7750Fax:970 .498 .7605Website:www .larimer .org/seniorsNortheasternRegionCounties:Larimer

2-B SingleEntryPoint(SEP)WeldCountyAreaAgencyOnAgingP .O .Box1805315C .N .11thAve .Greeley,CO80631Phone:970 .346 .6950Fax:970 .346 .6951Website:www .co .weld .co .usNortheasternRegionCounties:Weld

3-A DRCOGAreaAgencyonAging1290Broadway,Suite700Denver,CO80203Phone:303 .455 .1000Fax:303 .480 .6790Websitewww .drcog .orgNortheasternRegionCounties:Adams,Arapahoe,Broomfield,ClearCreek,Denver,Douglas,Gilpin,Jefferson

COLORADO AREA AGENCIES ON AGING REGIONS

3-B BoulderCountyAreaAgencyonAgingP .O .Box4713482NorthBroadwayBoulder,CO80306Phone:303 .441 .3570Fax:303 .441 .4550Website:www .bouldercountyaging .orgNortheasternRegionCounties:Boulder

4 SingleEntryPoint(SEP)PPACGAreaAgencyonAging15South7thStreetColoradoSprings,CO80905Phone:719 .471 .2096Fax:719 .471 .1226Website:www .ppacg .orgSouthernRegionCounties:ElPaso,Park,Teller

5 EastCentralCouncilofGovernmentsP .O .Box28128ColoradoAvenueStratton,CO80836Phone:719 .348 .5562,ext .5Fax:719 .348 .5887Website:ecaaa .tripod .comNortheasternRegionCounties:Cheyenne,Elbert,KitCarson,Lincoln

6 SingleEntryPoint(SEP)LowerArkansasValleyAreaAgencyonAgingP .O .Box49413WestThirdStRoom110LaJunta,CO81050Phone:719 .383 .3166Fax:719 .383 .4607Website:www .oterogov .comSouthernRegionCounties:Baca,Bent,Crowley,Kiowa,Otero,Prowers

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7 PuebloAreaAgencyonAgingSouthernRegion2631E .4thStreetPueblo,CO81001Phone:719 .583 .6120Fax:719 .583 .6323Website:www .co .pueblo .co .usSouthernRegionCounties:Pueblo

8 South-CentralColoradoSeniors,Inc .P .O .Box63911163rdStreetAlamosa,CO81101Phone:719 .589 .4511Fax:719 .589 .2343Website:NowebsiteSouthernRegionCounties:Alamosa,Conejos,Costilla,Mineral,RioGrande,Saguache

9 SanJuanBasinAreaAgencyonAgingP .O .Box5456(451HotSpringsBlvd .)PagosaSprings,CO81147–WesternRegionPhone:970 .264 .0501Fax:1 .888 .290 .3566Website:www .sjbaaa .orgCounties:Archuleta,Dolores,LaPlata,Montezuma,SanJuan

10 Region10LeagueforEconomicAssistance&Planning300N .CascadeAve .,Suite#1Montrose,CO81401–WesternRegionPhone:970 .249 .2436Fax:970 .249 .2488Website:www .region10 .netCounties:Delta,Gunnison,Hinsdale,Montrose,Ouray,SanMiguel

11 AssociatedGovernmentsofNorthwestColoradoP .O .Box20000-5035510291/2RoadGrandJunction,CO81502–WesternRegionPhone:970 .248 .2717Fax:970 .248 .2702or970 .248 .2849/2883Website:www .humanservices .mesacounty .us/AdultServices/template .aspx?id=168Counties:Garfield,Mesa,Moffat,RioBlanco,Routt

12 NorthwestColoradoCouncilofGovernmentsAlpineAreaAgencyonAgingP .O .Box2308,249WarrenAve .Silverthorne,CO80498–WesternRegionPhone:970 .468 .0295Fax:970 .468 .1208Website:www .nwccog .orgCounties:Eagle,Grand,Jackson,Pitkin,Summit

13 SingleEntryPoint(SEP)UpperArkansasAAA–SouthernRegion139East3rdStreetSalida,C081201-2612–SouthernRegionPhone:719 .539 .3341Fax:719 .539 .7431Website:www .upperarkansasareaagencyonaging .orgCounties:Chaffee,Custer,Fremont,Lake

14 Huerfano/LasAnimasAreaCouncilofGovernmentsd/b/aSouthCentralCouncilofGovernmentsAAA300SouthBonaventureAvenueTrinidad,CO81082–SouthernRegionPhone:719 .845 .1133Fax:719 .845 .1130Website:www .sccog .netCounties:Huerfano,LasAnimas

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WEB-SITE RESOURCES

ColoradoDepartmentofTransportation(CDOT)2014StrategicHighwaySafetyPlan(IncludesanEmphasisonAgingRoadUsers-Page42)www .codot .gov/safety/safety-data-sources-information/safety-plans/colorado-strategic-highway-safety-plan

VideoToolkitonMedicalConditionsinOlderDrivershttp://www .nhtsa .gov/Driving+Safety/Older+Drivers/Video+Toolkit+On+Medical+ConditionsInadditiontovideosonconditionssuchasarthritis,drivingafterastroke,diabetesandothermedicalissues,therearevideosspecificallyforlawenforcementandtheDepartmentofMotorVehicles .

NationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationonOlderDrivershttp://www .nhtsa .gov/Driving+Safety/Older+Drivers

TheHartfordwww .Thehartford .com(SEARCH:OlderDrivers)

AmericanAssociationofRetiredPersons(AARP)www .aarp .org(SEARCH:OlderDrivers)

CarFitwww .car-fit .org

AmericanAutomobileAssociation(AAA)www .seniordriving .aaa .com

NationalInstituteonAging-NationalInstitutesofHealthwww .nia .nih .gov/(SEARCH:OlderDrivers)

For a complete list of downloads from this document. Please visit:DriveSmartColorado .com/resources

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